Some probiotics have a beneficial effect on the body in many diseases, including metabolic ones. Scientists in South Korea have been testing the beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001 for more than a year. A new clinical study in humans confirmed that taking a supplement containing such a bacterium can reduce fat content in people prone to overweight.

Previously, Korean doctors reported a successful experiment. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001 This species of mice is isolated with the help of the roots of the local plant giant piperine (angelica gigas Nakai) is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine.

The subjects were placed on a high-fat diet for a month and then given lactic acid bacteria for 12 weeks. As a result, the animals normalized their weight as well as lipid, cholesterol and other blood parameters that increased after an unhealthy diet.

For the new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, scientists recruited 100 volunteers between the ages of 19 and 60 with a body mass index of 25 to 30 units. Such a level is considered excessive and indicates a tendency to obesity. Exclusion criteria included the presence of allergic reactions, serious diseases, taking medications or supplements prescribed for obesity, and others.

Participants were randomly divided into two groups: The first received the following supplements for 12 weeks: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001 (one capsule per day with a content of 2×101⁰ colony-forming units) and the second – a placebo in the form of a similar capsule.

The study found that body fat percentage and mass, as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, were significantly lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group. On the contrary, the level of adiponectin hormone, which plays a role in regulating glucose levels and breaking down fatty acids, increased after the course of lactic acid bacteria. Overall, the probiotic was well tolerated and caused no side effects in the participants.

The findings are consistent with past research on benefits, the authors noted. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001. One of them showed an increase in serum adiponectin, a decrease in LDL, and a decrease in fat mass after taking probiotics in rats. It also reduced lipid accumulation in the liver, reducing mRNA levels of lipogenic genes, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type 1 alpha.

The results obtained are significant, considering that today more than a billion people worldwide suffer from obesity. Korean scientists see great potential in using this type of bacteria for fat reduction and weight loss, but stressed that more research is needed. In new experiments, doctors want to better understand the effect and mechanism of action of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001, including microbiome analysis.

Let us also add that this work was published in the magazine. nutrientsLike previous studies, it was sponsored by a Korean probiotic manufacturer Kolmar BNH.